Abstract

Three male chicks aged one month were submitted for postmortem examination to the Regional Clinical Laboratory, District Veterinary Centre, Kannur with a history of sudden flock mortality of 10%. On postmortem examination, characteristic salt and pepper appearance of anterior and middle portions of small intestine with hemorrhagic contents in whole intestine were noted. On microscopical examination, coccidial schizonts were observed from the intestinal samples on direct examination and Giemsa staining. Based on the gross and microscopical examination, the case was diagnosed as coccidiosis. Mortality ceased following medication with Sulphaquinaxaline and Diaveridinein drinking water for 4 days.

Keywords : Eimeria spp., Coccidiosis, Salt and pepper appearance, Schizonts